Abstract: | The method of teaching literacy which was developed by Paulo Friere in Brazil has spread to other Latin American countries and is being tried in some parts of Africa. Examined is the value of the Friere method for Tanzania. In practice the method has several phases: 1) a study of the area and context in which illiterates live in order ro determine the vocabulary and the problems in the area that would stimilate discussion; 2) selecting words from the vocabulary of the area which have high emotional significance, but at the same time are common expressions of the people; there are three rules to follow in choosing the words. Instances are given of lists of words used in an urban and in a rural area in Latin America. Indicated is how the Friere method could be adapted to the specific Tanzanian needs. |